Remembering James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini, American actor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Italy James Gandolfini died of an apparent heart attack. The great actor leaves behind a young family. It always makes me upset when I hear these stories not only because the guy was so young but he died in Europe.

European countries tend to treat first and then take the victim to the hospital. In America they take you to the hospital first then treat the patient. In cases of heart attacks or strokes or internal damage it means almost certain death in Europe.

I must have seen Gandolfini in a dozen small time roles before the world discovered him in The Sopranos. He was a great character actor and that is not a knock. Character actors are so difficult to do well and Gandolfini often stole the scene.

After Sopranos he became leading man material and while he never reached the same heights each role was better and more believable.At this moment I hope everyone remembers him and his family quietly like James would have wanted.